In response to a video shared by an “Israel War Room” page, former Republican Virginia Rep. Denver Riggleman criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar, labeling her as a “disgraceful representative.” Many other prominent conservatives joined in expressing their disapproval of the Minnesota lawmaker’s remarks.
Omar addressed the backlash by engaging with a comment on the video, where a researcher suggested her words were misinterpreted. The researcher argued that Omar was simply representing the interests of Somalis in the United States, a legitimate responsibility for any Congresswoman. Omar clarified that her mention of the liberation of five territories was rhetorical, not literal, and criticized those spreading misinformation.
In her response, Omar stressed the importance of federal government consent in land lease negotiations involving states and other countries. She stood in solidarity with Somalis both in Somalia and the diaspora, condemning any attempts to undermine their efforts through harassment and falsehoods.
The controversy stemmed from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, to lease part of Somaliland’s coastland. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed concerns about Ethiopian assets crossing into Somalia’s territory, warning of potential issues arising from this situation.
